Wedding Traditions by CyperusGreetings.com

Traditionally in Kiribati marriages were pre-arranged these days’ people choose their own spouses. Before the man proposes he sends his uncle to the young woman’s house to notify the family of the up and coming marriage proposal. The engagement process is normally long as it allows the bride’s family time to weave sleeping mats for the new son-in-law and his family. In return the groom’s family gives rolls of cloth to the bride’s family. Once married the new wife will live with her husband’s family learning how to be a good wife from his relatives. If a man dies, its common practices for an unwed brother to assume his place in the marriage.

On Saipan, its custom for the man to propose to the woman, if accepted a meeting is set up with the girl’s parents at their home. On arrival the young man is introduced to the parents and in a sign of respect he takes the hands of the parents and kisses them saying ‘Niora’ to the mother and ‘Niot’ to the father. Financial assistance for the wedding is provided by the relatives and the young man, who must provide most of the financial assistance. The man pays for two parties and provides money for the bride’s clothes and jewelry.

It’s tradition in Samoa for the bride’s gown to be made out of tapa cloth, which is obtained from mulberry bark. The bride also wears fresh flowers and a mother-of-pearl crown.

It’s Fijian wedding tradition for the man to ask the girl’s father for her hand in marriage. He also brings her father a gift, usually a whale tooth which symbolizes status and wealth. If the girl’s father approves of the marriage the young man then cooks a lavish feast and sends it to the bride’s family. Just before the wedding it’s a Fijian tradition for bride to be tattooed, which is a sign of beauty on the islands.